As stated succinctly in ASGISA: "For both the public infrastructure and the private investment programmes, the single greatest impediment is shortage of skills - including professional skills such as engineers and scientists; managers such as financial, personnel and project managers; and skilled technical employees such as artisans and IT technicians."

Ashcroft attempted to lay blame for the existence of the Wall at Gorelick's feet, and claimed that it was a main impediment to investigations that might have otherwise uncovered and perhaps forestalled the 9/11 attacks.